2. misc-audio
  3. 1163430608

A series of underperforming setups...Solution?

I've had some quality electronics: Started with Marsh seperates, Shunyata Hydra PC, had Def Tech BP 7000 speakers, Jolida JD 100 tried Simaudio Nova moved on to McIntosh 6900 integrated then, Plinius 9200 integrated; had Talon Raven speakers briefly, moved on to NAD M3 integrated had, all Acoustic Zen cabling, Modwright Sony 999ES, Von Schweikert VR4JR speakers, Now have the DK Signature integrated and Reimer Wind River GS speakers. The one constant has been that each of my systems has underperformed top to bottom- in my opinion. Bass has been a big disappointment too. My room is a rectangular family room over a concrete floor 11 by 20 by 8 with speakers on one of the short walls about 1 foot from the front wall and 6 feet apart- room is filled with furniture. 2 couches plus fish tanks toy chest etc. Because my setup is in the family room, I have no options for differnt speaker placement. We've had various power issues in the area over the last 2 years and I plan to get dedicated lines. Do you think dedicated lines are the key to most of my performace issues? Thanks
foster_9
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Given you've yet to find the sound your looking for, here's what I'd suggest after looking at the equipment you've owned so far.

First, at least look into highly efficient horn loaded/horn speakers. These type of speakers offer a completely different sound than what you've been listening to.

To my ears, they sound far more "real" than any other design.

If you're going to use tubes, use them only at the source unit, never downstream. Tube buffers right after the source unit are my preference.

You also may want to try a set of AKG 701 headphones with a good headphone amp. There will be no room problems to deal with, and it will give you a perspective on just how good a playback system can sound.

Finally, I would seriously consider getting all the conventional pots/volume controls out of your signal path and going exclusively with Placette based volume control.

IMHO, until you've heard your system through Placette's completely transparent volume control, you really have no idea what it real sounds like.
aball
2,018 posts
 
I hate to say it, but Newbee is right.

Arthur
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
I agree with others that your room and speaker placement is more likely the main problem. When using rooms for multipurpose you need to make sacrafices like moving speakers out from the wall a bit more, room treatments, listening position, etc, etc. Until you get a dedicated room you'll need to except this situation. Many of us have these types of rooms and with a few adjustments you can have great sound. It's a give and take thing. Buy more music!
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
"I have no options for speaker placement."

At least try the different speaker placement (cardas). If that greatly improves the sound then you know what the problem is. If it doesn't then you've eliminated that variable.

Another option is to get behringer DEQ 2496 and try out room correction. This is not the last word in hifi, but, again it will show whether room correction is the answer, and you may prefer the sound through the behringer's correction. It will also enable you to exactly assess any room treatments you perform.
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Tvad: quantity of bass has been the issue. I'm an old bass head. I'm not able to move the speakers any further from the front wall unless I move them 2 ft closer together. Though I'm not a tube roller per se, the tubes I use in the Modwright, Jolida and DK have all been replaced at various intervals. Newbee: yes, being a dedicated fan of the forums here, I've read that same advice given to several others in various circumstances. Gettheleadout: at this point, I've spent way too much on gear the past 3 years and I really want to stick with what I have now which is all good gear. Newbee's and Aball's advice really resonates with common sense and practicaltiy. (concepts my friends and family would say I lost-way lost). I plan to try to maximize what I have within the limitations that are present. The one thing I may do is buy a new sub and add a different cdp. For me the midbass and low bass quantity in this setup is the larger issue-the sonics have improved with the Reimers. Thanks again everyone.
More to discover